Domaine de la Cavaliere - 'Entre Chien et Loup' - Syrah, Grenache - Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, FR - 2023

Notes from the Winery/Importer

Grape Varieties: 90% Syrah, 10% Grenache Noir. Name Origin: "Entre Chien et Loup" translates to "Between Dog and Wolf," a poetic French idiom referring to the period of dusk or twilight when the light is fading, making it difficult to distinguish between a familiar friend and a wild animal. For this red wine, the evocative name suggests depth, a subtle wildness, and perhaps a more structured or profound character that unfolds over time, reflecting the intensity of Syrah balanced by Grenache. Terroir: Clay-limestone soils. Yield: The producer's overall low yields (e.g., 30 hl/ha for some wines) would apply to this cuvée as well, indicating concentrated fruit from the old vines. Vintage Notes (2023 Provence - Red Grapes): The 2023 vintage in Provence was generally characterized by warm and dry conditions, with a very dry start to the year. However, well-timed rainfall in late summer helped bring balance and ensure phenolic ripeness. For red wines, this resulted in grapes that were generally ripe and concentrated, producing wines with good fruit intensity and freshness. The challenges of the vintage required meticulous vineyard management to ensure quality, leading to wines with good concentration and structure. Vinification and Aging: Domaine de la Cavalière applies its rigorous natural winemaking principles. Following hand-harvesting, the grapes undergo a cold pre-fermentation infusion, followed by liquid-phase fermentation. Alcoholic fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. Vinification takes place in stainless steel vats, followed by aging in terracotta jars. This aging choice allows the wine to develop complexity and texture while respecting the fruit's purity and avoiding overt oak influence. The wine is unclarified and unfiltered, and receives only a homeopathic dose of SO2 at bottling, reflecting the domaine's commitment to natural expression. Appearance: The wine displays a deep, vibrant ruby red color, likely with purple reflections, indicative of its Syrah dominance and youthful concentration. Its clarity reflects its natural presentation. Nose: The nose expresses depth with a fresh, mineral character. It exhales alluring notes of blackberry, red currant, and a distinct peppery spice. Hints of wild herbs (garrigue) and a subtle floral lift from the Grenache add complexity, creating an aromatic profile that is both intense and inviting. Palate: The palate is structured and well-built, offering a generous and deep expression. It is characterized by fine and enveloping tannins that provide a supple yet firm mouthfeel. Notes of dark fruit (blackberry, black cherry) are prominent, interwoven with herbal aromas and a continued peppery spice. A vibrant freshness remains present throughout the tasting, particularly in the finish, which leads to a delightful drinkability despite its underlying structure. This wine offers both richness and elegance. Body: Medium to Full-bodied. Finish: The finish is long, fresh, and structured, marked by persistent dark fruit, herbal nuances, fine tannins, and a refreshing acidity that encourages another sip. Food Pairing Suggestions: This structured and aromatic red wine is a versatile companion for various dishes. It is perfect to drink with red meat and hard cheeses. Consider it with gamey proteins like rack of lamb, or richer proteins like braised short ribs. It also pairs well with starters, cannellini beans, roasted beets, various pasta and ravioli dishes, and even richer poultry preparations. Potential for Aging: The 2023 Domaine de la Cavalière Vin Rouge "Entre Chien et Loup," with its full body, balanced acidity, fine tannins, and unique aging in terracotta jars, has excellent potential for aging. While approachable in its youth, it will likely develop beautifully over 5-10 years (until 2028-2033 or beyond), allowing its fruit to further integrate with savory and earthy notes, and its texture to become even more silken and complex.

Notes on the Producer

Producer Background: Domaine de la Cavalière is nestled at 320 meters altitude in Lourmarin, Provence, France, between the Rhône and Provence regions. The domaine is committed to a holistic, sustainable, and organic approach to viticulture, aiming to create a polycultural haven. Clément Mengus oversees the winemaking and general management of the estate. He and the team tend to the vineyards with meticulous care, harvesting all grapes by hand to preserve their integrity. In the cellar, their philosophy is strictly natural: spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, no chemical yeasts, enzymes, or other harmful winemaking products. They bottle their wines without clarification or filtration, adding only a homeopathic dose of SO2, ensuring a pure and authentic reflection of their terroir.